CA2239863A1 - Sealing part - Google Patents
Sealing part Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2239863A1 CA2239863A1 CA002239863A CA2239863A CA2239863A1 CA 2239863 A1 CA2239863 A1 CA 2239863A1 CA 002239863 A CA002239863 A CA 002239863A CA 2239863 A CA2239863 A CA 2239863A CA 2239863 A1 CA2239863 A1 CA 2239863A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sleeve
- closure part
- socket
- sealing element
- sealing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 61
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000001464 adherent effect Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 15
- 238000007688 edging Methods 0.000 description 12
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004945 silicone rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013519 translation Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
- G02B6/3847—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture with means preventing fibre end damage, e.g. recessed fibre surfaces
- G02B6/3849—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture with means preventing fibre end damage, e.g. recessed fibre surfaces using mechanical protective elements, e.g. caps, hoods, sealing membranes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
- G02B6/4292—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements the light guide being disconnectable from the opto-electronic element, e.g. mutually self aligning arrangements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
- G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
- G02B6/4471—Terminating devices ; Cable clamps
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
- G02B6/3825—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres with an intermediate part, e.g. adapter, receptacle, linking two plugs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/389—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs characterised by the method of fastening connecting plugs and sockets, e.g. screw- or nut-lock, snap-in, bayonet type
- G02B6/3893—Push-pull type, e.g. snap-in, push-on
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)
- Optical Couplings Of Light Guides (AREA)
Abstract
The invention concerns a sealing part (1) for sealing an optical fibre coupling bush (22) in a fluidtight and dirt-proof manner. The sealing part (1) bears a central sealing element (4) and a sleeve (6) coaxially surrounding the latter. The end-face bevel (5) of the sealing element is adapted in planar manner to the end-face edge (23) of the coupling bush (22). When pressure (A) is suitably applied, the sealing element (4) is urged against the bush (22) and seals the latter. The sleeve (6) embraces the outer surface (24) of the bush (22) in a firmly adherent manner, secures the sealing part (1) in a self-contained rack (21) and seals the bush (22) externally.
Description
CA 02239863 1998-06-0~
FIL~5 ~ ~N 1'~ Tlll~ ~r~NDE~
DescriptionTE~r TRANSLATION
Closure part The invention relates to a closure part with a sleeve which is designed for receiving an optical coupling socket and snugly encloses the outer side of the socket.
For reliably closing the receiving sockets for optical waveguides on electrooptical modules from the production process up until when the module is put into operation, suitable closure parts are used. In such cases, the closure parts are intended to seal the receiving sockets against dirt and water and retain a reliable and defined functional position. In addition, self-contamination of the receiving socket caused by the wearing of the closure part should be ruled out and the running off of liquid during testing for major leaks and cleaning of the module should be made possible.
A protective connector for closing an electrooptical module is described in US 5, 243, 678 . Attached to a grip is a covering flange, which bears at least one parallel alignment pylon.
The end face of the alignment pylon is adapted to depressions of an optically active component. The alignment pylon is surrounded by a collar, which is attached to the covering flange and bears pressing webs on its outer side. In the inserted state, the alignment pylon completely penetrates a receiving socket of the electrooptical module. A receptacle of the module in which the receiving socket is located then encloses the collar of the protective connector, the protective connector being fixed in the receptacle by the pressing webs. The covering flange completely seals the receptacle at the end face. The alignment pylon projects out of the rear end of the receiving socket and, with its end face, aligns an optically active component. This provisional CA 02239863 1998-06-0~
alignment takes place in order to be able to fasten the optically active component permanently in the module in an aligned manner. Furthermore, the protective connector is intended to protect the optically active component and the receiving socket against contamination. The protective connector cannot, however, prevent self-contamination, since it passes through the receiving socket up to the optically active component. Similarly, protection against water is ensured only inadequately.
In EP-0 312 147 A2, a protective cap for optical waveguide plug-in connections is described. The protective cap offers connecting faces, for a coupling part and a connector, on both sides of an intermediate body. In this case, the connecting faces are provided axially opposite one another and make it possible for the coupling part and the connector to be received simultaneously. The protective cap essentially only prevents the depositing of dust on the sensitive end face of the optical waveguide in the connector or in the coupling.
This protective cap is not watertight.
A closure part of the type stated at the beginning is described in US 4,640,575 in the form of a protective cap for a socket for receiving optical waveguides. The socket is fastened on a base plate. The protective cap, which is resiliently mounted, is likewise attached to the base plate to the side of the said socket. Whenever the socket is not connected to a connector, the protective cap, which consists of an elastic material, covers the socket, acting as a shroud around it on the outside against dust. If an optical waveguide connector is removed from the socket, the protective cap snaps over the socket and covers it. By additional axial force, the protective cap can be pressed firmly onto the socket. This protective cap is unsuitable for electrooptical modules with receptacles and does not guarantee adequate protection against moisture.
CA 02239863 1998-06-0~
The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a closure part of the type mentioned at the beginning which seals the receiving socket for optical s waveguides on electrooptical modules against dirt and water, retains a reliable and defined functional position, rules out self-contamination and makes possible the running off of liquid during testing for major leaks and cleaning of the module.
The object is achieved according to the invention by a closure part of the type stated at the beginning, a central sealing element being arranged coaxially with respect to the sleeve, a bevel on the end face of the sealing element being adapted in surface area to the facing edging on the end face of the socket, and the sleeve protruding beyond the end face of the sealing element, the length of the sealing element being dimensioned such that, when the closure part is inserted, the bevel of the sealing element presses axially against the edging on the end face of the socket.
In the joined-together state of the closure part and the module, according to the invention the sealing element interacts in a sealing manner with the edging on the end face and the sleeve interacts in a sealing manner with the outer lateral face of the receiving socket. The way in which the surface area of the bevel of the sealing element hugs the edging on the end face of the coupling socket reliably protects the latter against liquids and dirt in an advantageous way. Since the sealing element does not reach into the socket, the latter cannot be contaminated by dirt particles adhering to the sealing element either.
In addition to this, the sleeve guarantees a pre-guiding of the closure part axially with respect to the coupling socket and ensures a reliable functional position of the closure CA 02239863 1998-06-0~
part. The tight fit of the sleeve, bearing against the outer lateral face of the socket in close contact with it, serves on the one hand for sealing, on the other hand for firmly pressing the sealing element against the socket. In the case of sleeves of an elastic design, an advantageous adaptation of the internal diameter of the sleeve to the external diameter of the lateral face of the socket leads to an enlargement of the cross-section in the fitted-on state. During fitting onto the socket, the sleeve is slightly compressed and is consequently slightly enlarged in cross-section. In the fitted-on state, because of the enlargement of the cross-section, the sleeve is pressed radially onto the lateral face of the socket and a desired adhering and sealing effect is achieved. Conversely, when the sleeve is pulled off, over-stretching causes a reduction of the cross-section, which imparts a certain additional adhesive effect. However, the adaptation of the diameters with respect to one another is to be chosen such that the pulling off of the sleeve can take place with reasonable expenditure of force and without material-fatiguing loading.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the sealing element is produced from soft plastic as a sealing stopper. The external diameter of the stopper is in this case greater than the internal diameter of the socket, with the result that the bevel of the stopper touches the edging on the end face of the socket. The stopper is pressed against the coupling socket by axial pressure. The sleeve radially encloses the stopper, but ensures adequate space for a radial expansion of the stopper as a result of the axial pressure.
In an advantageous embodiment, the sleeve has at least one sealing region, which firmly surrounds the outer peripheral edging of the coupling socket and protects it reliably against dust and moisture. The two-surface sealing of the coupling socket, by the sealing element at the edging on the end face, CA 02239863 1998-06-0~
and by the sleeve at the outer peripheral edging of the coupling socket, which is shaped as a receiving socket for an insert pin bearing an optical waveguide, guarantees particularly effective protection.
A closure part of a particularly simple structure is produced according to the invention as one part from a suitable soft and elastic plastic. The sleeve and the sealing element can consequently protect the coupling socket advantageously and effectively. A multi-part embodiment of the closure part is likewise possible. The sealing element is in this case produced from a more elastic plastic than the basic body. The sleeve may likewise be produced from an elastic plastic, but a firmer material is preferred. In addition, the sleeve may, in an advantageous way, bear sealing means attached on the inside, which, for better fixing of the closure part, also make possible a more favourable sealing effect. A
particularly preferred material is silicone rubber, which is commercially available for example from the Bayer company under the trade name SILOPREN.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the basic body bears clamping ribs in its rear region, adjoining a stop flange.
These serve for the further fixing and alignment of the 2s closure part. At the same time, the hollow spaces formed by the clamping ribs and the receptacle and aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the closure part allow the flowing away of liquid which has penetrated into the receptacle.
During cleaning of the module or testing for major leaks, penetration of cleaning liquid into the receptacle is not completely prevented. However, the closure part according to the invention guarantees reliable protection of the coupling socket against liquid and dust and, in a particularly advantageous way, allows the flowing away of liquid which has penetrated into the receptacle.
CA 02239863 1998-06-0~
The arresting of the closure part on an electrooptical module may also take place in an advantageous way by abutment of latching faces of latching arms on the module in suitable receiving faces on the closure part. The receiving faces on the closure part may be located both on the sleeve, but also on a basic body. The sleeve is advantageously designed such that it has depressions for receiving the latching arms.
Arresting faces provided on the closure part represent an additional, and consequently particularly effective, fastening means. These additionally engage in the latching faces of latching arms on the module and fix the closure part ideally in the receiving socket. By means of the arresting faces on 1S the closure part and/or by receiving faces located on the closure part, the closing of a multiplicity of different coupling locations is possible.
The invention is described in more detail below with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments; in the drawing:
Figure 1 shows a closure part according to the invention, Figure 2 shows a further closure part according to the invention, in a perspective representation, Figure 3 shows a closure part according to the invention, which closes a coupling socket in an SC receptacle, Figure 4 shows a closure part for two receiving sockets and Figure 5 shows the same closure part in a side representation.
Figure 1 shows a closure part 1 according to the invention, 35 with a grip 2 and a stop flange 3 adjoining the grip 2. The flange 3 is adjoined by a cross-sectionally approximately CA 02239863 1998-06-0~
rectangular basic body 10. The latter bears clamping ribs lla-lld, beginning at the stop flange 3 and aligned parallel with respect to the axis 12 of the figure. In its part facing away from the stop flange 3, the basic body 10 merges with a sleeve 6 of a circular cross-section. The sleeve 6 coaxially surrounds a central sealing element 4 with a bevel 5 at the end face and projects beyond the end face 9 of the sealing element 4. The bevel 5 is adapted in surface area to an edging on the end face of a socket on the coupling.
Figure 2 perspectively represents a closure part according to the invention. The designations are identical to those of Figure 1. The sleeve 6 is represented here as rectangular in outer cross-section in its front region, but may also have a different, in particular round, cross-section. The outer cross-section of the sleeve 6 may also vary in its design.
For example, a round or circular shaping in the front region of the sleeve 6 but an approximately rectangular shape for the rear region is advantageous. Beginning in the basic body 10 and continuing as far as the sleeve there are depressions 7 on both sides for receiving latching arms on the coupling. The depressions 7 are bounded on one of their sides by receiving faces 8, running approximately perpendicular with respect to the axis 12 of the figure. The receiving faces 8 make possible an abutment of latching arms on the coupling and additionally stabilize the closure part 1.
Figure 3 illustrates the sealing effect of a closure part according to the invention. The closure part 1 has been inserted with its sleeve 18 and its sealing element 15 into the SC receptacle 21 of an electrooptical module 20 and closes the coupling socket 22 for optical waveguides located in the receptacle 21. The sleeve 18 encloses the outer edging 24 of the socket 22, in close contact with it, and thereby fixes the closure part 1 in the SC receptacle 21 and seals the socket 22. The sealing effect is advantageously supplemented by the CA 02239863 1998-06-0~
bevel 5 of the sealing element 15. Since the sealing element 15 does not protrude into the coupling socket 22, self-contamination by dirt particles adhering to the sealing element 15 is ruled out. The inside wall 25 of the socket 22, s which serves for receiving the optical waveguide pin, is not touched and any depositing of dirt on the inside wall 25 is avoided.
Under the influence of a pressure A in the direction of the socket 22, the sealing element 15 is pressed against the edging 23 on the end face of the socket. As a result, optimum protection is achieved. The firmly adhering fit of the sleeve 18 on the outer side 24 of the socket 22 has the effect that the pressure A is transferred to the sealing stopper 15.
Helping to maintain the pressure A are latching arms, latched into the depressions 7, and/or a clamping connection between the clamping ribs (not shown) of the basic body 10, reaching into the receptacle, and the front edging 28 of the SC
receptacle 21, or some other suitable fastening means.
The pressure A in the direction of the socket 22 causes the sealing element 15, represented here as a sealing stopper, to expand radially. The sleeve 18, which surrounds the stopper 15, leaves adequate space for the radial expansion 19. By 2s contrast with the sleeve 6 represented in Figure 1, the starting point of the sleeve 18 is drawn deeper into the basic body 10. The sealing stopper 15 is molded from an elastic plastic as one part with the sleeve 18. A two-part design of the stopper 15 and the sleeve 18 is likewise possible.
An advantageous development of the idea according to the invention is achieved by additional sealing means 17 running around the inside wall 19 of the sleeve 18. When the closure part 1 is used according to the invention, the sealing means 17 grip around the outer side 24 of the coupling socket 22.
Apart from a more favorable sealing effect, the closure part 1 CA 02239863 1998-06-0~
is additionally fixed radially. The sealing means 17 is advantageously designed as a sealing ring fitted partially into the inside wall 19 of the sleeve 18.
Figure 4 shows a closure part for two receiving sockets next to one another. Arresting faces 40, surrounding the sleeve 18 on two sides, are formed on the closure part 1. Since the arresting faces 40 at least partially bound the basic body 10, the clamping ribs lla - llb are arranged on the outer side of the arresting faces 40. The clamping rib llc, on the other hand, is fastened on the basic body 10. For the abutment of the latching arms 26 on the module, the arresting faces 40 have projections 42 (not visible). The projections 42 interact in a blocking manner with the elevations 27 of the latching arms 26 on the module. The arresting faces 40 may consist of the same material as and form one part with the basic body 10, or be molded from different materials as two parts.
In the broken-open representation of Figure 4, the sleeve 18 and the sealing stopper 15 are represented once again. The stopper 15 is pressed axially firmly onto the socket 22 and expands in the radial direction 19 by pressure which is applied here by the sleeve, by the arresting of the latching arms 26 on the projections 42 of the arresting faces 40, by the receiving faces 8 of the depressions 7 and additionally by the clamping ribs lla - llc.
Figure 5 illustrates the interaction of the projections 42 of the arresting faces 40 with the elevations 27 of the latching arms 26. The arresting faces 40 are hooked together with the elevations 27 by the front edge 41 of the projections 42. To the side, the depressions 7 and the receiving faces 8 of the sleeve 18 are visible, but only diagrammatically indicated.
In addition, the closure part is held in the SC receptacle 21 by the pressing action of the clamping ribs lla - llc. The CA 02239863 1998-06-0~
coupling socket 22 is covered virtually completely by the latching arms 26. The component design is chosen such that the release of the closure part 1 from the receptacle 21 takes place with reasonable expenditure of force and without material-fatiguing loading. The faces arresting one another are thereby separated from one another.
FIL~5 ~ ~N 1'~ Tlll~ ~r~NDE~
DescriptionTE~r TRANSLATION
Closure part The invention relates to a closure part with a sleeve which is designed for receiving an optical coupling socket and snugly encloses the outer side of the socket.
For reliably closing the receiving sockets for optical waveguides on electrooptical modules from the production process up until when the module is put into operation, suitable closure parts are used. In such cases, the closure parts are intended to seal the receiving sockets against dirt and water and retain a reliable and defined functional position. In addition, self-contamination of the receiving socket caused by the wearing of the closure part should be ruled out and the running off of liquid during testing for major leaks and cleaning of the module should be made possible.
A protective connector for closing an electrooptical module is described in US 5, 243, 678 . Attached to a grip is a covering flange, which bears at least one parallel alignment pylon.
The end face of the alignment pylon is adapted to depressions of an optically active component. The alignment pylon is surrounded by a collar, which is attached to the covering flange and bears pressing webs on its outer side. In the inserted state, the alignment pylon completely penetrates a receiving socket of the electrooptical module. A receptacle of the module in which the receiving socket is located then encloses the collar of the protective connector, the protective connector being fixed in the receptacle by the pressing webs. The covering flange completely seals the receptacle at the end face. The alignment pylon projects out of the rear end of the receiving socket and, with its end face, aligns an optically active component. This provisional CA 02239863 1998-06-0~
alignment takes place in order to be able to fasten the optically active component permanently in the module in an aligned manner. Furthermore, the protective connector is intended to protect the optically active component and the receiving socket against contamination. The protective connector cannot, however, prevent self-contamination, since it passes through the receiving socket up to the optically active component. Similarly, protection against water is ensured only inadequately.
In EP-0 312 147 A2, a protective cap for optical waveguide plug-in connections is described. The protective cap offers connecting faces, for a coupling part and a connector, on both sides of an intermediate body. In this case, the connecting faces are provided axially opposite one another and make it possible for the coupling part and the connector to be received simultaneously. The protective cap essentially only prevents the depositing of dust on the sensitive end face of the optical waveguide in the connector or in the coupling.
This protective cap is not watertight.
A closure part of the type stated at the beginning is described in US 4,640,575 in the form of a protective cap for a socket for receiving optical waveguides. The socket is fastened on a base plate. The protective cap, which is resiliently mounted, is likewise attached to the base plate to the side of the said socket. Whenever the socket is not connected to a connector, the protective cap, which consists of an elastic material, covers the socket, acting as a shroud around it on the outside against dust. If an optical waveguide connector is removed from the socket, the protective cap snaps over the socket and covers it. By additional axial force, the protective cap can be pressed firmly onto the socket. This protective cap is unsuitable for electrooptical modules with receptacles and does not guarantee adequate protection against moisture.
CA 02239863 1998-06-0~
The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a closure part of the type mentioned at the beginning which seals the receiving socket for optical s waveguides on electrooptical modules against dirt and water, retains a reliable and defined functional position, rules out self-contamination and makes possible the running off of liquid during testing for major leaks and cleaning of the module.
The object is achieved according to the invention by a closure part of the type stated at the beginning, a central sealing element being arranged coaxially with respect to the sleeve, a bevel on the end face of the sealing element being adapted in surface area to the facing edging on the end face of the socket, and the sleeve protruding beyond the end face of the sealing element, the length of the sealing element being dimensioned such that, when the closure part is inserted, the bevel of the sealing element presses axially against the edging on the end face of the socket.
In the joined-together state of the closure part and the module, according to the invention the sealing element interacts in a sealing manner with the edging on the end face and the sleeve interacts in a sealing manner with the outer lateral face of the receiving socket. The way in which the surface area of the bevel of the sealing element hugs the edging on the end face of the coupling socket reliably protects the latter against liquids and dirt in an advantageous way. Since the sealing element does not reach into the socket, the latter cannot be contaminated by dirt particles adhering to the sealing element either.
In addition to this, the sleeve guarantees a pre-guiding of the closure part axially with respect to the coupling socket and ensures a reliable functional position of the closure CA 02239863 1998-06-0~
part. The tight fit of the sleeve, bearing against the outer lateral face of the socket in close contact with it, serves on the one hand for sealing, on the other hand for firmly pressing the sealing element against the socket. In the case of sleeves of an elastic design, an advantageous adaptation of the internal diameter of the sleeve to the external diameter of the lateral face of the socket leads to an enlargement of the cross-section in the fitted-on state. During fitting onto the socket, the sleeve is slightly compressed and is consequently slightly enlarged in cross-section. In the fitted-on state, because of the enlargement of the cross-section, the sleeve is pressed radially onto the lateral face of the socket and a desired adhering and sealing effect is achieved. Conversely, when the sleeve is pulled off, over-stretching causes a reduction of the cross-section, which imparts a certain additional adhesive effect. However, the adaptation of the diameters with respect to one another is to be chosen such that the pulling off of the sleeve can take place with reasonable expenditure of force and without material-fatiguing loading.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the sealing element is produced from soft plastic as a sealing stopper. The external diameter of the stopper is in this case greater than the internal diameter of the socket, with the result that the bevel of the stopper touches the edging on the end face of the socket. The stopper is pressed against the coupling socket by axial pressure. The sleeve radially encloses the stopper, but ensures adequate space for a radial expansion of the stopper as a result of the axial pressure.
In an advantageous embodiment, the sleeve has at least one sealing region, which firmly surrounds the outer peripheral edging of the coupling socket and protects it reliably against dust and moisture. The two-surface sealing of the coupling socket, by the sealing element at the edging on the end face, CA 02239863 1998-06-0~
and by the sleeve at the outer peripheral edging of the coupling socket, which is shaped as a receiving socket for an insert pin bearing an optical waveguide, guarantees particularly effective protection.
A closure part of a particularly simple structure is produced according to the invention as one part from a suitable soft and elastic plastic. The sleeve and the sealing element can consequently protect the coupling socket advantageously and effectively. A multi-part embodiment of the closure part is likewise possible. The sealing element is in this case produced from a more elastic plastic than the basic body. The sleeve may likewise be produced from an elastic plastic, but a firmer material is preferred. In addition, the sleeve may, in an advantageous way, bear sealing means attached on the inside, which, for better fixing of the closure part, also make possible a more favourable sealing effect. A
particularly preferred material is silicone rubber, which is commercially available for example from the Bayer company under the trade name SILOPREN.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the basic body bears clamping ribs in its rear region, adjoining a stop flange.
These serve for the further fixing and alignment of the 2s closure part. At the same time, the hollow spaces formed by the clamping ribs and the receptacle and aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the closure part allow the flowing away of liquid which has penetrated into the receptacle.
During cleaning of the module or testing for major leaks, penetration of cleaning liquid into the receptacle is not completely prevented. However, the closure part according to the invention guarantees reliable protection of the coupling socket against liquid and dust and, in a particularly advantageous way, allows the flowing away of liquid which has penetrated into the receptacle.
CA 02239863 1998-06-0~
The arresting of the closure part on an electrooptical module may also take place in an advantageous way by abutment of latching faces of latching arms on the module in suitable receiving faces on the closure part. The receiving faces on the closure part may be located both on the sleeve, but also on a basic body. The sleeve is advantageously designed such that it has depressions for receiving the latching arms.
Arresting faces provided on the closure part represent an additional, and consequently particularly effective, fastening means. These additionally engage in the latching faces of latching arms on the module and fix the closure part ideally in the receiving socket. By means of the arresting faces on 1S the closure part and/or by receiving faces located on the closure part, the closing of a multiplicity of different coupling locations is possible.
The invention is described in more detail below with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments; in the drawing:
Figure 1 shows a closure part according to the invention, Figure 2 shows a further closure part according to the invention, in a perspective representation, Figure 3 shows a closure part according to the invention, which closes a coupling socket in an SC receptacle, Figure 4 shows a closure part for two receiving sockets and Figure 5 shows the same closure part in a side representation.
Figure 1 shows a closure part 1 according to the invention, 35 with a grip 2 and a stop flange 3 adjoining the grip 2. The flange 3 is adjoined by a cross-sectionally approximately CA 02239863 1998-06-0~
rectangular basic body 10. The latter bears clamping ribs lla-lld, beginning at the stop flange 3 and aligned parallel with respect to the axis 12 of the figure. In its part facing away from the stop flange 3, the basic body 10 merges with a sleeve 6 of a circular cross-section. The sleeve 6 coaxially surrounds a central sealing element 4 with a bevel 5 at the end face and projects beyond the end face 9 of the sealing element 4. The bevel 5 is adapted in surface area to an edging on the end face of a socket on the coupling.
Figure 2 perspectively represents a closure part according to the invention. The designations are identical to those of Figure 1. The sleeve 6 is represented here as rectangular in outer cross-section in its front region, but may also have a different, in particular round, cross-section. The outer cross-section of the sleeve 6 may also vary in its design.
For example, a round or circular shaping in the front region of the sleeve 6 but an approximately rectangular shape for the rear region is advantageous. Beginning in the basic body 10 and continuing as far as the sleeve there are depressions 7 on both sides for receiving latching arms on the coupling. The depressions 7 are bounded on one of their sides by receiving faces 8, running approximately perpendicular with respect to the axis 12 of the figure. The receiving faces 8 make possible an abutment of latching arms on the coupling and additionally stabilize the closure part 1.
Figure 3 illustrates the sealing effect of a closure part according to the invention. The closure part 1 has been inserted with its sleeve 18 and its sealing element 15 into the SC receptacle 21 of an electrooptical module 20 and closes the coupling socket 22 for optical waveguides located in the receptacle 21. The sleeve 18 encloses the outer edging 24 of the socket 22, in close contact with it, and thereby fixes the closure part 1 in the SC receptacle 21 and seals the socket 22. The sealing effect is advantageously supplemented by the CA 02239863 1998-06-0~
bevel 5 of the sealing element 15. Since the sealing element 15 does not protrude into the coupling socket 22, self-contamination by dirt particles adhering to the sealing element 15 is ruled out. The inside wall 25 of the socket 22, s which serves for receiving the optical waveguide pin, is not touched and any depositing of dirt on the inside wall 25 is avoided.
Under the influence of a pressure A in the direction of the socket 22, the sealing element 15 is pressed against the edging 23 on the end face of the socket. As a result, optimum protection is achieved. The firmly adhering fit of the sleeve 18 on the outer side 24 of the socket 22 has the effect that the pressure A is transferred to the sealing stopper 15.
Helping to maintain the pressure A are latching arms, latched into the depressions 7, and/or a clamping connection between the clamping ribs (not shown) of the basic body 10, reaching into the receptacle, and the front edging 28 of the SC
receptacle 21, or some other suitable fastening means.
The pressure A in the direction of the socket 22 causes the sealing element 15, represented here as a sealing stopper, to expand radially. The sleeve 18, which surrounds the stopper 15, leaves adequate space for the radial expansion 19. By 2s contrast with the sleeve 6 represented in Figure 1, the starting point of the sleeve 18 is drawn deeper into the basic body 10. The sealing stopper 15 is molded from an elastic plastic as one part with the sleeve 18. A two-part design of the stopper 15 and the sleeve 18 is likewise possible.
An advantageous development of the idea according to the invention is achieved by additional sealing means 17 running around the inside wall 19 of the sleeve 18. When the closure part 1 is used according to the invention, the sealing means 17 grip around the outer side 24 of the coupling socket 22.
Apart from a more favorable sealing effect, the closure part 1 CA 02239863 1998-06-0~
is additionally fixed radially. The sealing means 17 is advantageously designed as a sealing ring fitted partially into the inside wall 19 of the sleeve 18.
Figure 4 shows a closure part for two receiving sockets next to one another. Arresting faces 40, surrounding the sleeve 18 on two sides, are formed on the closure part 1. Since the arresting faces 40 at least partially bound the basic body 10, the clamping ribs lla - llb are arranged on the outer side of the arresting faces 40. The clamping rib llc, on the other hand, is fastened on the basic body 10. For the abutment of the latching arms 26 on the module, the arresting faces 40 have projections 42 (not visible). The projections 42 interact in a blocking manner with the elevations 27 of the latching arms 26 on the module. The arresting faces 40 may consist of the same material as and form one part with the basic body 10, or be molded from different materials as two parts.
In the broken-open representation of Figure 4, the sleeve 18 and the sealing stopper 15 are represented once again. The stopper 15 is pressed axially firmly onto the socket 22 and expands in the radial direction 19 by pressure which is applied here by the sleeve, by the arresting of the latching arms 26 on the projections 42 of the arresting faces 40, by the receiving faces 8 of the depressions 7 and additionally by the clamping ribs lla - llc.
Figure 5 illustrates the interaction of the projections 42 of the arresting faces 40 with the elevations 27 of the latching arms 26. The arresting faces 40 are hooked together with the elevations 27 by the front edge 41 of the projections 42. To the side, the depressions 7 and the receiving faces 8 of the sleeve 18 are visible, but only diagrammatically indicated.
In addition, the closure part is held in the SC receptacle 21 by the pressing action of the clamping ribs lla - llc. The CA 02239863 1998-06-0~
coupling socket 22 is covered virtually completely by the latching arms 26. The component design is chosen such that the release of the closure part 1 from the receptacle 21 takes place with reasonable expenditure of force and without material-fatiguing loading. The faces arresting one another are thereby separated from one another.
Claims (9)
1. Closure part (1) with a sleeve-shaped part (6) which is designed for receiving an optical coupling socket (22) and snugly encloses the outer side (24) of the socket (22), wherein a central sealing element (4) is arranged coaxially in the sleeve-shaped part (6), a bevel (5) on the end face of the sealing element (4) is designed for producing a surface-area sealing contact with the end face (23) of the socket (22) facing the sealing element (4) and the sleeve-shaped part (6) protrudes beyond the end face (9) of the sealing element (4).
2. Closure part as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing element (4) consists of soft plastic.
3. Closure part as claimed in one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the sealing element (4) is a sealing stopper (15).
4. Closure part as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sleeve-shaped part (6) and the sealing element (4) are arranged on a basic body (10), on the outer sides of which clamping ribs (11a...11d) are provided.
5. Closure part as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the closure part (1) is of one part.
6. Closure part as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sealing element (4), the sleeve-shaped part (6) and the basic body (10) consist of different materials.
7. Closure part as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sleeve-shaped part (6) bears additional sealing and guiding means (17) on the inside.
8. Closure part as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sleeve-shaped part (6) has depressions (7) with receiving faces (8) for latching arms on the socket.
9. Closure part as claimed in one of claims 4 to 8, wherein, adjoining the basic body (10), arresting faces (40) are provided for the fixing of the closure part (1).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19547523A DE19547523C1 (en) | 1995-12-08 | 1995-12-08 | Closure part |
| DE19547523.2 | 1995-12-08 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2239863A1 true CA2239863A1 (en) | 1997-06-19 |
Family
ID=7780619
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002239863A Abandoned CA2239863A1 (en) | 1995-12-08 | 1996-12-04 | Sealing part |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6088502A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0865622B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2000501849A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2239863A1 (en) |
| DE (2) | DE19547523C1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997022026A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN105074523A (en) * | 2013-04-01 | 2015-11-18 | 矢崎总业株式会社 | Dustproof cap |
Families Citing this family (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20010028771A1 (en) * | 2000-03-02 | 2001-10-11 | Claes Johansson | Protective cover for an optical transceiver |
| DE10054371C1 (en) * | 2000-10-30 | 2002-02-28 | Infineon Technologies Ag | Seal for coupling unit of optoelectronic transceiver, comprises open-ended tube containing one or more cavities |
| US7101300B2 (en) * | 2001-01-23 | 2006-09-05 | Black & Decker Inc. | Multispeed power tool transmission |
| US6516129B2 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2003-02-04 | Jds Uniphase Corporation | Processing protective plug insert for optical modules |
| US6652159B2 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2003-11-25 | International Business Machines Corporation | Enhanced optical transceiver arrangement |
| US6676301B2 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2004-01-13 | International Business Machines Corporation | Enhanced optical coupler |
| US7186038B2 (en) * | 2003-12-29 | 2007-03-06 | Adc Telecommunications, Inc. | Telecommunications connector protective device |
| US7278789B2 (en) * | 2005-09-08 | 2007-10-09 | Tyco Telecommunications (Us) Inc. | Undersea equipment housing with molded terminations |
| JP2013011633A (en) * | 2009-10-27 | 2013-01-17 | Alps Electric Co Ltd | Protection cap |
| JP6409288B2 (en) * | 2014-03-03 | 2018-10-24 | 住友電気工業株式会社 | Optical transceiver |
Family Cites Families (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA1094369A (en) * | 1975-11-11 | 1981-01-27 | Peter K. Runge | Optical fiber connector and method of making |
| GB1544266A (en) * | 1976-03-16 | 1979-04-19 | Standard Telephones Cables Ltd | Connector arrangement for optical fibres |
| US4640575A (en) * | 1986-01-13 | 1987-02-03 | Rockwell International Corporation | Fiber optic connector cover apparatus |
| DE3735038A1 (en) * | 1987-10-16 | 1989-04-27 | Philips Patentverwaltung | ON A PLUG OR A COUPLING OF A PLUG CONNECTABLE CAP |
| KR900702390A (en) * | 1988-10-27 | 1990-12-06 | 원본미기재 | Optical connector device |
| DE3925535C1 (en) * | 1989-08-02 | 1991-01-17 | Ant Nachrichtentechnik Gmbh, 7150 Backnang, De | Light-wave conductor coupling e.g. for railway tracks - has gap between 2 conductors not so narrow that it causes capillary effect when water gets into it |
| US5243678A (en) * | 1992-06-29 | 1993-09-07 | Amp Incorporated | Alignment cover for a fiber optic receptacle |
| US5395360A (en) * | 1994-02-23 | 1995-03-07 | Coherent, Inc. | Damage resistant sterilizable fiber optic probe assembly |
| US5684903A (en) * | 1994-06-30 | 1997-11-04 | Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. | Receptacle and method of manufacturing the same |
| US5647044A (en) * | 1995-12-22 | 1997-07-08 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Fiber waveguide package with improved alignment means |
-
1995
- 1995-12-08 DE DE19547523A patent/DE19547523C1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1996
- 1996-12-04 EP EP96946068A patent/EP0865622B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-12-04 WO PCT/DE1996/002377 patent/WO1997022026A2/en active IP Right Grant
- 1996-12-04 DE DE59602501T patent/DE59602501D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-12-04 JP JP9521615A patent/JP2000501849A/en active Pending
- 1996-12-04 CA CA002239863A patent/CA2239863A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
1998
- 1998-06-08 US US09/093,571 patent/US6088502A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN105074523A (en) * | 2013-04-01 | 2015-11-18 | 矢崎总业株式会社 | Dustproof cap |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2000501849A (en) | 2000-02-15 |
| EP0865622B1 (en) | 1999-07-21 |
| EP0865622A2 (en) | 1998-09-23 |
| US6088502A (en) | 2000-07-11 |
| DE59602501D1 (en) | 1999-08-26 |
| WO1997022026A3 (en) | 1997-08-07 |
| WO1997022026A2 (en) | 1997-06-19 |
| DE19547523C1 (en) | 1997-05-07 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |